BELS Malta’s new school – An interview with Rebecca Brincat

BELS will shortly be opening a new English language school in Malta, offering students a further option when choosing to study on this Mediterranean Island.

Today we spoke to Rebecca Brincat, Director at BELS, to find out a little more about the new school

Q: Hello Rebecca. How has the year been so far for BELS?

A: In Gozo, our flag-ship adult school is meeting the ambitious targets we set for 2010 and on Malta we ran the Teenage Residential Programme for the first time ever, at Easter time and this too was a great success. We are now hoping that the new adult school on Malta will have equal success.

Q: So BELS is soon to be launching a new school in Malta. Where is the new one based?

A: The new school is based in the sea-side town of St. Paul’s Bay. St Paul’s Bay and its neighbours Bugibba and Qawra are Malta’s largest seaside resorts. They offer plentiful accommodation ranging from self-catering apartments to hotel complexes and a variety of nightlife and leisure options. The coastline here has some wonderful open sea views and a vista across to St Paul’s Island, where, according to legend, the ship carrying the Apostle is said to have been wrecked. Standing prominently on the isle is a large statue of the Apostle commemorating this legendary event. The coastline promenade provides a long, though mostly level and easy walk from St Paul’s Bay all the way to Qawra Point, with its tower and views over Salina Bay. St Paul’s Bay started life as a small fishing village however today it has evolved into a glorious town popular with locals and tourist alike.

Q: How far is it from the airport?

A: 30 minutes in a car or travel by bus which takes about 90 minutes. The public bus leaves the airport every half an hour and the route is via Valletta, the island’s capital.

Q: What’s on offer in the area?

A: The coast line is full of little coves and bays that are ideal for swimming in sheltered water on a rocky beach. Since St. Paul’s Bay is also a fishing village, it boasts some of the best fish restaurants on the island. It is also well connected to the rest of the island through a well traversed bus route. Also less than a 5 minute bus ride away one may find Mellieha Bay – the longest sandy beach on Malta.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about the accommodation and facilities?

A: Yes, the school has 8 classes that are all well lit and air-conditioned. It boasts an internet cafe and study areas and also coffee and snack vending machines. The residence is located just next door and can offer clients private single or double rooms with or without air-conditioning. Bathroom, kitchen and living facilities are shared. We can also provide host families and 3 or 4 star hotels are within easy walking distance of the school. The school is also located close to all amenities such as green grocers, mini markets, bakers, butchers, banks, diving schools etc.

Q: Increasingly access to the worldwide web is important for students. What internet facilities do you have at the school?

A: We offer WIFI as well as LAN connection free of charge.

Q: What courses are you offering?

A: We offer General English in groups or individually in all levels from A1-C2. We can also provide Business English and Exam Preparation courses.

Q: Finally, what would you say is your unique selling point (USP), not just about the school, but about studying in Malta?

A: Malta is a unique destination, because English is a native language here, however we also boast fabulous weather, marvellous beaches and of course friendly locals. St. Paul’s Bay is a pleasant change to St. Julian’s, by far the busiest destination for EFL on Malta. One is met with blue seas, typical houses and smiling faces as opposed to smog and a concrete jungle.

As a leading association for the learning of languages abroad, one of the core values of IALC is to build a global community and foster international understanding through collaboration and sharing across the world.

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